On Friday (29), Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva as the Chief Guest at the invitation of the SLAVF Commandant took time off to closely revisit ongoing mega development projects in the SLAVF compound and inaugurate several exclusively erected facility centres, consists of the Main Pavilion for Utility Purposes, ‘Rendezvous Ground’ - Seethawaka, the new ORS’ Accommodation Building and laid cornerstones for the Utility Centre of Headquarters’ Battalion Complex and the Special ‘Honour Hall of the SLAVF’ inside the HQ premises under total revamp.
The day’s itinerary got to a start with the arrival of the day's Chief Guest who was saluted in a drive-past Guard Turnout before he was warmly welcomed to the premises by Commandant, Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force Major General Jagath Gunawardena. After lighting of the traditional oil lamp and offer of the tray of betel to members of the Maha Sangha by the day’s Chief Guest, the day’s proceedings commenced with the unveiling of a stone plaque that speaks of the continuing SLAVF saga and the new revamping project before the Chief Guest declared open the Main Pavilion for promotion of varied sports training and multiple military training modules.
At the next stop, Lieutenant General Silva unveiled a plaque and warmed the new Ors’ Accommodation Building after cutting a ribbon at the main entrance. He had a close look inside the new facility and proceeded to the main meeting hall where hundreds of Officers and Other Ranks serving the SLAVF were awaiting. At first, he had a look at the new ground complex under construction and afterwards witnessed a comprehensive presentation under the title, ‘SLAVF Beyond 2020’ through which projected future development strategy of the SLAVF, documented as an outcome of a thorough study carried out by Officers and Other Ranks of the SLAVF on inputs and guidelines provided by the SLAVF Commandant was screened before the day’s Chief Guest.
Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva adding his thoughts to the occasion appreciated the visionary development plan of the SLAVF Commandant and all ranks of the SLAVF and extended his best wishes for SLAVF future prospects. During his address, the Commander also highlighted the importance of concerted efforts for eradication of the virus from the country and the need to bring normalcy to our society. Multiple approaches to develop the organization were also forwarded to the Chief Guest during the discussions attended by all PSOs and Directors of the Army at the SLAVF Conference Hall.
The proposed mammoth project ‘SLAVF Beyond 2020’ extensively covers Training Concept to Support to Role and Task, Policies and Regulation Amendments, Organizational and Structural Development, Headquarters Complex Development, Cadre Enhancement and Career Development and Application of the Strategy Enhancement, Value Expansion and Image Building, etc.
Towards the culmination of the itinerary, the SLAVF Commandant, appreciative of the Commander's continued cooperation and his visit to the venue awarded a special memento as a symbol of memory. He also left compliments in the Visitors' Book before he took leave of all at the SLAVF HQ.
Senior Officers including Chief Field Engineer, Director General General Staff, Quarter Master General, Commander Security Force Headquarters-West, Adjutant General, Master General Ordnance, Logistics Commander, Director General Training, Deputy Commandant SLAVF, SLAVF Principal Staff Officers, Senior Officers and HQ SLAVF staff members and Other Ranks were associated with the day’s arrangements that strictly adhered to health safety.
